Friday, April 28, 2006

Readers Question: Should I go to law school?

Dear Aunt Bonnie-
I’m a junior who’s finally chosen a major. After considering a number of them, including education and social work, I finally chose English because I love to write. I also want to help people, as you can see from the majors I considered but did not choose. It seems like my best choice might be law. Then I can write and help people at the same time. What do you think about my idea?
James

Dear James-
You’re to be commended on the thinking you’ve put into this choice. It reflects some insight into your gifts and passions. I would suggest, however, that you do further research into the legal field. Though it would most likely allow you to write, according to a study done by Equal Justice Works, most JD’s cannot afford to work with public interest groups. Faced with debt loads nearing $75,000, most grads find that they need to accept employment within the private sector with little chance to pursue their original altruistic passions.
Not to dissuade you from the field, but there may be less expensive ways to write and help people at the same time. Do some more research before you jump.